Imperial College London, one of the most prestigious universities on the planet, is offering GREAT Scholarships worth £15,000 for the 2026–27 academic year. These competitive awards provide a powerful stepping stone for outstanding students from Egypt, France, Ghana, and Nigeria who are eager to study at one of the top global institutions for science, engineering, medicine, and business.
If you’re from a different country, Checkout more international scholarships on our Scholarships Page.
This detailed guide breaks down everything: eligibility, application deadlines, programme benefits and what makes Imperial College London a truly exceptional place to study. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to help you prepare a strong application for one of the most respected scholarships in the UK.
Why Imperial College London Stands Out
Few institutions enjoy the global reputation that Imperial College London does. Since its founding in 1907, Imperial has been driven by a bold mission: using science and innovation to understand the world and improve human life. That spirit of discovery still defines the university today.
Imperial consistently ranks among the world’s top universities, and according to the QS World University Rankings 2026, it currently holds the position of 2nd best university in the world. Known for groundbreaking research, cutting-edge facilities, and deep industry connections, Imperial remains a place where ambitious thinkers thrive—particularly those passionate about science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business.
For students seeking academic rigor and global networking opportunities, Imperial presents an environment where ideas become impact.
What Are the GREAT Scholarships?
The GREAT Scholarships programme is a joint initiative between participating UK universities, the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, and the British Council. The initiative was created to open doors for international students pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK.
For 2026–27, Imperial College London will award four GREAT Scholarships, each valued at £15,000 toward tuition fees. One scholarship will be offered to applicants from each of these countries:
- Egypt
- France
- Ghana
- Nigeria
These awards are designed for students undertaking one-year, full-time, taught master’s degrees on campus.
If you’re looking to build global expertise and launch an impactful career, this scholarship could be the catalyst you’ve been waiting for.
Dates
To be considered for the GREAT Scholarship at Imperial, timing is everything. Here are the deadlines you need to plan around:
📌 7 January 2026
Deadline to submit your master’s degree application to Imperial College London.
📌 13 March 2026
Deadline to receive an offer of admission from Imperial. Only applicants with an offer by this date will be invited to apply for the scholarship.
📌 Week of 13 April 2026
Eligible offer-holders will receive an email invitation to complete the GREAT Scholarship application.
📌 30 June 2026
Deadline to meet English language requirements (pre-sessional courses do NOT count for this scholarship). Final scholarship decisions will also be communicated no later than this date.
Timing is strict, so preparing early is essential if you want to be shortlisted.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Check)
To qualify for the GREAT Scholarship at Imperial, you must satisfy the following conditions:
✔ You must be a passport holder AND resident of one of these countries:
- Egypt
- France
- Ghana
- Nigeria
✔ You must be classified as an Overseas student for fee purposes.
✔ You must apply for a one-year, full-time, on-campus master’s programme at Imperial.
✔ You must have an offer of admission by 13 March 2026.
✔ You must be ready to begin studies in the UK in Autumn 2026.
❌ You are NOT eligible if:
- Your programme is taught online or via distance learning
- Your master’s degree lasts longer than one year
Additional Requirement (English Proficiency)
Awardees must meet Imperial’s English language requirements by 30 June 2026. Pre-sessional English courses are not supported by this scholarship, so applicants must plan accordingly.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for the GREAT Scholarship at Imperial is a two-stage process.
STEP 1: Apply for a Master’s Programme (Deadline: 7 January 2026)
Your first task is to submit an application for your desired master’s programme through Imperial’s official application portal.
Important details to pay attention to:
- In the Nationality section, select France, Egypt, Ghana, or Nigeria, either as your primary or secondary nationality.
- In the Residency section, choose one of the eligible countries as your permanent residence.
- Some departments have specific application rounds. You may need to apply earlier to receive a decision by 13 March 2026. Full information in deadlines page.
- Depending on your programme, you may need to pay an application fee. Fee waivers may be available.
You must receive an offer of admission by 13 March 2026 to move to Stage 2.
STEP 2: Scholarship Application (Invitation-Only)
Only applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and have received an offer will be invited—by email—to submit a scholarship application.
This email will be sent during the week starting 13 April 2026.
The application will ask about:
- Your academic and leadership achievements
- Financial situation and ability to cover remaining tuition fees and living expenses
- Your motivation for studying at Imperial
Remember: the GREAT Scholarship is partial funding, contributing £15,000 toward tuition only.
Scholarship Value
Each award provides:
💰 £15,000 toward tuition fees
This amount will be directly deducted from your tuition invoice. It cannot be used for accommodation or living costs, so applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover remaining expenses.
How Many Scholarships Are Available?
Imperial will offer four scholarships, one per eligible country:
- 1 for France
- 1 for Egypt
- 1 for Ghana
- 1 for Nigeria
Competition is expected to be intense, so early preparation and a compelling application are essential.
When Will You Hear Back?
Successful applicants will be notified on or before 30 June 2026 via email. If you do not receive a notification by then, your application was not selected.
Award recipients will be expected to:
- Engage informally with the scholarship donors
- Submit a brief annual progress update
Scholarships cannot be deferred to future years.
About the GREAT Scholarship Initiative
The GREAT Scholarships programme supports international students from 18+ countries, including India, Kenya, Mexico, Italy, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Vietnam, Spain, and many more.
More than 70 UK universities participate in the scheme, offering opportunities in diverse fields across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The initiative aims to strengthen cultural and educational connections between the UK and partner countries while empowering the next generation of global innovators.
Your Path to Imperial Starts Now
If you’re driven, academically strong, and passionate about shaping the future through science, technology, medicine, engineering, or business, the GREAT Scholarship at Imperial College London is an extraordinary opportunity.
With £15,000 in financial support and access to one of the world’s most influential universities, this scholarship can transform your academic and professional journey.
But remember, competition is fierce, deadlines are strict, and preparation must start early.
Start researching your master’s programme today, gather your documents, and prepare a powerful application that demonstrates your ambition and potential.
Checkout more international scholarships on our Scholarships Page
